Wrapper for a sheet metal article

ABSTRACT

A contoured wrapper-type package for shaped sheet metal articles or irregular form, the package being formed of die-cut and scored corrugated paper to provide a tubular portion of generally rectangular cross section having an aperture for accommodating a first projection on the sheet metal article, a central portion wrapped about an outer curved surface of the sheet metal article and conforming to the shape thereof, a bridging portion composed of a double thickness of the corrugated paper and adapted to extend over the concave side of the sheet metal article and terminate adjacent to the tubular portion, and a bracing portion having an aperture for engaging a second projection on the sheet metal article at a point remote from the first projection.

United States Patent 91 Freeman WRAPPER FOR A SHEET METAL ARTICLE [75] Inventor: Wayne E. Freeman, Grand Blanc,

Mich.

{73] Assignee: General Motors Corporation,

Detriot, Mich. A

221 Filed: Apr.12, 1972 211 App]. No.: 243,154

[52-] US. Cl. 229/40, 206/46 H [51] Int. Cl... 365d 65/12, B65d 65/24, B65d 85/54 [58] Field of Search 206/46 H, 46 FR; 229/87 1-1, 40

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,486,68l 12/1969 Radtke et a1. 229/40 3,235,070 2/1966 Cutty 206/46 H X 2,684,758 7/1954 Aquino 206/46 H Dec. 25, 1973 Primary Examinerl ,eonard Summer AttorneyJ. L. Carpenter et al.

[ ABSTRACT A contoured wrapper-type package for shaped sheet metal articles or irregular form, the package being formed of die-cut and scored corrugated paper to provide a tubular portion of generally rectangular cross section having an aperture for accommodating a first projection on the sheet metal article, a central portion wrapped about an outer curved surface of the sheet metal article and conforming to the shape thereof, a bridging portion composed of a double thickness of the corrugated paper and adapted to extend over the concave side of the sheet metal article and terminate adjacent to the tubular portion, and a bracing portion having an aperture for engaging a second projection on the sheet metal article at a point remote from the first projection.

4 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENIH] 0E1: 2 5197s SHEET 10F 2 llvnllllllllllllvllllllll PATENIEOnEc25 m5 air-80.933

SHEET 20F 2 WRAPPER FORA-SH'EET METAL ARTICLE 'The present invention relates'to a contoured wrap- ,per-typepackage for formed'sheet metal articles of irregular shape such as automobile fenders, doors, and

'thelike. ln'the preferred form, the package is constructed of a sheet material such as corrugated paperboard and more specifically a double-walled corrugated paperboard which is capable of being punched or .die cut andscored.

Irregularly-shapedformed sheet metal articles have heretofore been packaged for shipment in paperboard boxes or in wrappers of arious kinds. While paperboard boxes with suitable internal pads and fillers may provide adequate'protection during shipment for such products as automobile fenders, each different sized Ifender must have a specially sized box, thus presenting an undesired multiple box inventory requirement.

Wrappers have some advantages over boxes in that they conform .fairly closely to the contours of the formed sheet metal article, and thus offer a saving in shipping and/or storage space requirements. However,

wrappers of the type'presently utilized offer little pro- :tection'to the sheet metal articles packed therein, and

generally are not rugged enough to withstand normal shipping and handling. 2

The present invention contemplates a one-piece wrapper-type package' made of corrugated paperboard having score. lines and die cuts adapted to provide a tubular portion, a central contoured wrapper portion, a

ing tothis invention'permit the use ofa single size package-for the packaging of a number of different sized articles. For example,the'-use of this'package structure in four or five different sizes can replace up to 100 differentsized boxes. In addition, this package structure permits'finished packages' to be stored on end, and because of the contoured shape, more packages can be stored in the same space than is possible when using boxes. Also, very satisfactory protection is provided for the shape sheetmetalarticle because the design of the package enables the latter to set up a rigid manner while still conforming in shape to the article. Sheet metal by itself bends or dents easily, 'but the present package design uses the strength of the wrapper material in conjunction -with'the structural properties of the sheetmetal to produce anintegrated unit with the one member reinforcing theother.

Accordingly, the objects of the present invention are to .=provide an improved wrapper-type package for formed sheet metal articles that provide greater protection for the articles packaged therein; to provide a wrapper-type package for sheet metal articles wherein one sized package is adaptable to accommodate different sizes-of formed sheet metal articles; to provide a .generally rectangular blank of corrugated paperboard adapted to'be assembled into a wrapper for packaging an irregularly-shaped sheet metal'article and having apertures formed therein for retaining projections on the sheet metal article soasto prevent the latter from moving relative to the wrapper during shipment; and to provide a wrapper-type package of corrugated paperboard that at one end has a tubular portion of rectangular cross section formed by a plurality of panels bent in a common direction to provide an uninterrupted outer surface with at least one aperture therein for accommodating a first projection formed on a sheet metal article and that has the other end folded over and provided with another aperture for receiving a second projection on the sheet metal article in a manner whereby the other end can be moved toward the tubular portion to completely enclose the sheet metal article.

Other objects and advantages will be apparentfrom the following detailed description when taken with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a scored and die-cut blank of corrugated paperboard that can be formed into a wrapper-type package according to the invention;

F IG. 2 is an isometric view of the blank in assembled flat form prior to set up as a package for a sheet metal article;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the structure of FIG. 2 set up as a package to receive the sheet metal article;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the package of FIG. 3 and showing the sheet metal article placed in position for packaging;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view showing the manner of engaging the bracing portion of the package; and

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the completed package.

Referring to the drawings and specifically FIG. 1 thereof, a rectangular blank 10 of corrugated paperboard, with corrugations running in the direction as shown at 12, is divided into rectangular panels by parallel score lines l4, l6, 18, 20, 22 and reverse score lines 24, 26 and 28. A number of relatively closely spaced parallel score lines are provided as shown at 30 to permit the central portion of the blank 10 to conform to the contour of a sheet metal article such as vehicle fender which is to be packaged. Score lines l4, 16, 18 and 20 define tube forming panels A, B, C and D and a closure flap 32, while score line 22 and reverse score lines 24, 26 and 28 define panels E, F, G, H and J. A pair of laterally spaced C-s'haped cuts are provided in panel A and serve to define a pair of rectangular flaps 34 and 36, each of which is hingedly connected to score line 16. Panel H is provided with a single C- shaped cut centrally located between the side edges of the blank 10 and serves to define a flap 37 hingedly connected to "score line 26. Panels E and F are formed with slots 38 and 39 along transverse axes which are equally spaced from and parallel to the score line 22.

Inasmuch as automobile fenders are relatively large in physical size and of considerable weight, blank l0 is preferably made of double wall corrugated paperboard, although for simplicity, the various figures of the drawings show a single wall structure. Double wall corrugated board is well known in the art, and has a structure of three plane paperboard elements separated bytwo intermediate corrugated elements, the whole being joined into a unitary structure. By contrast, single wall corrugated board has a structure of two plane elements separated by a single corrugated element.

The blank 10 of FIG. 1 is assembled as indicated in FIG. 2 and shipped to the fender packaging location in a flat form. In this regard and as shown in FIG. 2, assembly is accomplished by first having the right portion of the blank 10 of'FlG. l folded through along score line 22 into face contact with the central portionof the blank. Thus, panels F, G, H and J lie in a common plane and are in surface-to-surface contact with panel E and part of the central portion having the score lines 30. Afterwards, panel A and closure flap 32 are folded 180 along score line 16 into face-to-face contact with panel B, followed by the folding of panels B and C through 180 along score line 20 in the same direction. This brings panel A and closure flap 32 into surface contact with panel D, and closure flap 32 is then secured to panel D as by glue or staples.

After the blank is assembled as described above, it is in a condition vfor use as a wrapper-type package for a vehicle fender such as that shown in FIG. 4 which includes a curved body portion 40 integrally formed with projections 42 and 44 on opposite sides of a wheel well 46 and an upstanding projection 48 located at the crown of the fender. In this regard and as seen in FIG. 3, a tubular portion 50 is first set by a manual lifting action on score line 16 in the direction of the arrow. The tubular portion 50 will take a rectangular form in cross section with panels A and C serving as vertical upstanding walls and panels B and D serving as horizontal walls. It will be noted that closure flap 32 is located between panels A and C and therefore allows the tubular portion to have an uninterrupted outer surface.

The fender can then be positioned on the package with its convex outer surface contacting the scored central portion as seen in FIG. 4, and the projections 42 and 44 aligned with the flaps 34 and 36. The fender is then manually pushed along the longitudinal axis of the package towards the tubular portion 50 causing one or both of the projections 42 and 44, depending upon relative length, to move into the aperture defined by the cutouts in panel A. It should be apparent that inasmuch as the insertion movement of the projections is in the same direction as the lifting movement heretofore described for setting up tubular portion 50, the former movement can serve as an aid to the latter movement and thereby facilitate the set up.

As seen in FIG. 4, projection 44 of the fender is longer than projection 42 and consequently is pushed through the aperture formed by swinging flap 36 into the interior of the tubular portion 50. It will be noted that the fender shown in the drawing is for the right side of an automobile. A left side fender would be placed similarly on the package, but the projection 44 would be pushed through the aperture resulting when the flap 34 is bent along score line 16 into the interior of the tubular portion. Thus, the provision of two flaps 34 and 36 (and two apertures when the flaps are swung inwardly into the tube) permits the packaging of either left or right fenders in the same package. The extremity of projection 44, extending through the aperture in panel A, abuts against the inside surface of panel C. Projection 42 of the fender in this case being shorter than projection 44, abuts the outside surface of panel A. The length of the aperture formed by inward folding of flap 36, measured in a direction parallel to score line 16, is sufficient to engage each edge of fender projection 44 as shown in FIG. 4.

Further packaging of the fender proceeds as shown in FIG. 5. Panels F, G, H and J are raised and pulled to the left towards the fender in a wrapping operation and with flap 37 folded upwardly out of the plane of panel H, the resulting aperture receives and engages the projection 48 which is the mounting bracket for the fender. At this point, the closely spaced score lines 30 permit the corrugated paperboard to bend at the central portion so as to follow the convex contour of the fender. Thereafter, a hand pull of panels E and F in the direction of the arrow and utilizing the registering slots 38, 39 for gripping purposes, causes the wrapping operation to be completed as seen in FIG. 6 with panels E and F in face-to-face contact and serving as a bridging portion extending over the concave side of the fender, and with score line 22 resting adjacent and parallel to score line 18. Tapes or straps 60 then may be used to secure the completed package as shown. Note that panels J and H extend inwardly of the package and constitute a bracing portion which provides a bracing action by engaging projection 48.

From the above, it should be apparent that the wrapper-type package according to this invention serves to completely enclose the fender and the apertures formed in the tubular portion 50 and the bracing portion cooperates with the projections on the fender to restrain the latter from any lateral movement. Moreover, the completed package affords cushioning properties which protect the fender during vibration and impact.

Various changes and modifications can be made in this construction without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such changes and modifications are contemplated by the inventor and he does not wish to be limited except by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A wrapper-type package of corrugated paperboard for packaging a sheet metal article having a body portion formed with oppositely extending first and second projections, said package comprising a tubular portion having a plurality of tube forming panels bent along score lines in a common direction to provide an uninterrupted outer surface having an aperture provided therein for accommodating one of said projections, a central portion integral with and extending from said tubular portion and characterized by a plurality of relatively closely spaced score lines extending across said package in a direction parallel to said tubular portion, a bridging portion integral with and extending from said central portion, said'bridging portion being of a double thickness of said corrugated paperboard obtained by folding said paperboard around a score line parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said bridging portion adapted to span said body portion and terminating in contact with said tubular portion, a bracing portion integral with and hingedly connected to ,said bridging portion and having an aperture for accommodating the other of said projections so as to allow said bridging portion to be folded at said central portion over the body portion to completely enclose the sheet metal article and prevent the latter from moving laterally within the package.

2. The wrapper-type package of claim 1 wherein said bridging portion is formed with a pair of registering slots so as to provide a handle for moving the bridging portion into contact with the tubular portion.

3. A wrapper-type package of corrugated paperboard for packaging a vehicle fender having a curved body portion formed with a wheel well defined by first and second projections located generally in the plane of said body portion and a third projection extending generally normal to said plane at the crown of said fender, a tubular portion of rectangular cross section having first, second, third and fourth tube forming panels and a closure flap all defined by parallel score lines, said closure flap being secured to said fourth tube forming panel between said first and third panels, saidfirst tube forming panel having a pair of apertures formed therein for accommodating at least one of said projections defining said wheel well, a central portion integral with and extending from said fourth tube forming panel and characterized by a plurality of relatively closely spaced score lines extending across said package in a direction parallel to said tubular portion, a bridging portion integral with and extending from said central portion, said bridging portion being of a double thickness of said corrugated paperboard obtained by folding said paperboard 180 around a score line parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said bridging portion adapted to span said curved body portion and terminate in contact with said second tube forming panel of said tubular portion, a bracing portion integral with and hingedly connected to said bridging portion, said bracing portion having a flap hingedly connected to a score line so as to form an aperture in said bracing portion for accommodating said third projection of said sheet metal fender so as to allow said bridging portion to be folded at said central portion over the curved body portion to completely enclose the fender and prevent the latter from lateral movement within the package.

4. A wrapper-type package of corrugated paperboard for packaging a vehicle fender having a curved body portion formed with a wheel well defined by first and second projections located generally in the plane of said body portion and a third projection extending generally normal to said plane at the crown of said fender,

a tubular portion of rectangular cross section having first, second, third and fourth tube forming panels and a closure flap all defined by parallel score lines, said closure flap being secured to said fourth tube forming panel between said first and third panels, said first tube forming panel having a pair of apertures formed therein for accommodating at least one of said projections defining said wheel well, a central portion integral with and extending from said fourth tube forming panel and characterized by a plurality of relatively closely spaced score lines extending across said package in a direction parallel to said tubular portion, a bridging portion integral with and extending from said central portion, said bridging portion being of a double thickness of said corrugated paperboard obtained by folding said paperboard around a score line parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said bridging portion adapted to span said curved body portion and terminate in contact with said second tube forming panel of said tubular portion, a bracing portion integral with and hingedly connected to said bridging portion, said bracing portion having first, second and third bracing panels defined by parallel score lines extending in a direction parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said second bracing panel having a flap hingedly connected to a score line so as to form an aperture in said second bracing panel for accommodating said third projection of said sheet metal fender so as to allow'said bridging portion to be folded at said central portion over the body portion to completely enclose the fender and prevent the latter from moving laterally relative to the package. 

1. A wrapper-type package of corrugated paperboard for packaging a sheet metal article having a body portion formed with oppositely extending first and second projections, said package comprising a tubular portion having a plurality of tube forming panels bent along score lines in a common direction to provide an uninterrupted outer surface having an aperture provided therein for accommodating one of said projections, a central portion integral with and extending from said tubular portion and characterized by a plurality of relatively closely spaced score lines extending across said package in a direction parallel to said tubular portion, a bridging portion integral with and extending from said central portion, said bridging portion being of a double thickness of said corrugated paperboard obtained by folding said paperboard 180* around a score line parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said bridging portion adapted to span said body portion and terminating in contact with said tubular portion, a bracing portion integral with and hingedly connected to said bridging portion and having an aperture for accommodating the other of said projections so as to allow said bridging portion to be folded at said central portion over the body portion to completely enclose the sheet metal article and prevent the latter from moving laterally within the package.
 2. The wrapper-type package of claim 1 wherein said bridging portion is formed with a pair of registering slots so as to provide a handle for moving the bridging portion into contact with the tubular portion.
 3. A wrapper-type package of corrugated paperboard for packaging a vehicle fender having a curved body portion formed with a wheel well defined by first and second projections located generally in the plane of said body portion and a third projection extending generally normal to said plane at the crown of said fender, a tubular portion of rectangular cross section having first, second, third and fourth tube forming panels and a closure flap all defined by parallel score lines, said closure flap being secured to said fourth tube forming panel between said first and third panels, said first tube forming panel having a pair of apertures formed therein for accommodating at least one of said projections defining said wheel well, a central portion integral with and extending from said fourth tube forming panel and characterized by a plurality of relatively closely spaced score lines extending across said package in a direction parallel to said tubular portion, a bridging portion integral witH and extending from said central portion, said bridging portion being of a double thickness of said corrugated paperboard obtained by folding said paperboard 180* around a score line parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said bridging portion adapted to span said curved body portion and terminate in contact with said second tube forming panel of said tubular portion, a bracing portion integral with and hingedly connected to said bridging portion, said bracing portion having a flap hingedly connected to a score line so as to form an aperture in said bracing portion for accommodating said third projection of said sheet metal fender so as to allow said bridging portion to be folded at said central portion over the curved body portion to completely enclose the fender and prevent the latter from lateral movement within the package.
 4. A wrapper-type package of corrugated paperboard for packaging a vehicle fender having a curved body portion formed with a wheel well defined by first and second projections located generally in the plane of said body portion and a third projection extending generally normal to said plane at the crown of said fender, a tubular portion of rectangular cross section having first, second, third and fourth tube forming panels and a closure flap all defined by parallel score lines, said closure flap being secured to said fourth tube forming panel between said first and third panels, said first tube forming panel having a pair of apertures formed therein for accommodating at least one of said projections defining said wheel well, a central portion integral with and extending from said fourth tube forming panel and characterized by a plurality of relatively closely spaced score lines extending across said package in a direction parallel to said tubular portion, a bridging portion integral with and extending from said central portion, said bridging portion being of a double thickness of said corrugated paperboard obtained by folding said paperboard 180* around a score line parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said bridging portion adapted to span said curved body portion and terminate in contact with said second tube forming panel of said tubular portion, a bracing portion integral with and hingedly connected to said bridging portion, said bracing portion having first, second and third bracing panels defined by parallel score lines extending in a direction parallel to said closely spaced score lines, said second bracing panel having a flap hingedly connected to a score line so as to form an aperture in said second bracing panel for accommodating said third projection of said sheet metal fender so as to allow said bridging portion to be folded at said central portion over the body portion to completely enclose the fender and prevent the latter from moving laterally relative to the package. 